Unconventional Christmas Films

WARNING: This Article May Contain Spoilers

So, I have recently discovered that there are different categories of Christmas films. Let me explain; Category A films are specifically about Christmas, like Home Alone or A Christmas Carol. Category B films, however, are set at Christmastime but Christmas isn’t the main subject of the film. Finally, there is Category C which are the films that people love to watch during the holidays (or are shown on TV during the festive season) that don’t really have a link to Christmas at all, like The Great Escape or Harry Potter. I am definitely a Category B person and some of the following make up part of my festive tradition.

Die Hard

                First off, I’m going to apologise to Bruce Willis as he seems to think that his own film isn’t a Christmas film. Maybe he’s a Category A fan? However, I completely disagree. For me, this is a Christmas film and I do my best to watch it every year but I believe it belongs in Category B. Yes, it’s set on Christmas Eve and John McClane has gone to see his estranged wife during her office Christmas party, but this isn’t the main crux of the story. What’s more jolly than taking down a group of German terrorists?

A Nightmare before Christmas

                Now, this year seems to have created some debate regarding this film, as this is the first time that I have heard anyone even remotely refer to it as a Halloween film instead of a Christmas film. I am not afraid to admit that I struggled to agree with this notion. Yes, the film begins and ends at Halloween but the majority of the film has a Christmas setting. I think in a weird way it actually fits in both Category A and B. If you think about it, the main subject of the film is actually Christmas because Jack Skellington is trying to create his own in Halloween Town – therefore, Category A right? Well, here’s my reasoning for Category B also. It doesn’t actually have what many I’m sure would consider the typical Christmas feeling because it’s set in a much darker world than you would expect. No matter what, this will always be my Christmas Eve go-to film.

Edward Scissorhands

                Possibly one of Tim Burton’s most heart-warming films, and isn’t that exactly what you want at Christmastime? I have to admit, I had never considered this as a Christmas film before now, but I think this definitely fits the definition of Category B. It’s set at Christmas, for at least a portion of the film anyway, but the true plot of the film is about diversity and the public accepting such – and what’s more diverse than a man with scissors for hands?

Lethal Weapon

                So, for anyone who says this isn’t a Christmas film – it literally opens to the sound of Bobby Helms singing Jingle Bell Rock, albeit a little bit of juxtaposition to the actual opening scene. I have to admit though, it does set you up for the fact that this won’t be the kind of happy, feel good, Christmas film that you would find in Category A. Especially as there doesn’t seem to be any direct reference to it being Christmas other than some of the music used and that Riggs is watching a Christmas themed Looney Tunes episode. So, I would put this in Category B along with the majority of the other films in this article.

Gremlins

                Without a doubt, this is a hands down Category B film. Its set at Christmas, Gizmo is even an early Christmas present for Billy. However, it doesn’t encapsulate the plot. Instead, they have to spend Christmas Eve trying to rid Kingston Falls of an invasion of Gremlins, born from getting Gizmo wet (that’s an important rule, DON’T get the mogwai wet). A little like A Nightmare before Christmas, I am sure many people see this as a Halloween film and if I’m honest it possibly can pass for both but for me it will always be part of my Christmas film experience. Interestingly, the next film I’m going to talk about actually has a little cameo in this.

It’s a Wonderful Life

                So, I’ve recently seen it said that this is a Category A Christmas film and to some obscure extent I slightly agree. This is possibly the only film out of the seven that could fit into all three of these categories. Let me explain. I think the reason people see it as a Category A film is because it has a slight hint of A Christmas Carol about the story. However, it is also a Category B film because Christmas isn’t the sole point of the story being told. It is actually a film that tackles the subject of depression and suicide at its heart. Finally, it is shown every Christmas, at least on the channels I get anyway. Does this not say that this is the ultimate Christmas film as it fits all three categories?

Honourable Mention

So while writing this article, I did a bit of research in to what constitutes a Christmas film (which I’m sure you can tell) and came across a few places that mentioned Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s Eyes Wide Shut. Unfortunately, I was unable to cover this but from what I know of the plot – it’s definitely a Christmas film for when the children have gone to bed.